An unexpected litter often follows incorrect sexing or the adoption of an already pregnant female. Careful management is needed to protect the mother and support the pups’ development.
World of Degus encourages adoption rather than purchasing from pet shops or breeders. Breeding guidance can help prevent avoidable health problems and physical abnormalities, but it does not replace veterinary care or the legal requirements that apply locally.
Separating the sexes
It is essential, first and foremost, to immediately separate unsterilized males, a few days before the expected birth or as soon as the baby degus are discovered.
Females can become fertile again shortly after giving birth. Separate intact males before an expected birth, or immediately when an unexpected litter is discovered. Do not treat a percentage reported under particular husbandry conditions as a universal pregnancy risk.
Providing a suitable environment
A safe and quiet habitat
After giving birth, it is essential to leave the mother and her babies in a calm environment. Place the secure cage in a quiet area, at a moderate temperature, away from noise and disturbances. Use a cage with closely spaced bars and limit climbing options. Remove water bowls and replace them with bottles. Provide ample hay and fleece to line the nest.
Avoid handling the mother and the babies during the first few days unless absolutely necessary. They should not be separated from the mother or put under stress. Experimental early social deprivation can alter vocal behaviour, stress responses and social development. These findings support avoiding unnecessary separation; they do not mean that a brief, necessary health check causes irreversible developmental harm1.
Monitoring the mother’s health
Giving birth can be taxing for the mother. Monitor her health and ensure she is eating well. Consider weighing her regularly. It is normal for her to lose some weight after giving birth, but she should gradually regain it. Provide her with a balanced diet to help her recover and produce enough milk for her young. Ensure food is available to her at all times throughout the lactation period.
Ensuring adequate nutrition
Young degus begin nursing shortly after birth. The mother has eight nipples, but if the litter is large, some babies may not receive enough milk. In this case, it may be necessary to supplement the young’s diet with specific rodent milk, following a veterinarian’s advice. Pups begin sampling solid food during their first weeks, but this does not mean that they are ready to leave their mother. Their progress, weight and nursing need to be monitored individually.
Managing social interactions
Degus are very social animals. In an established, compatible group, familiar adults may help care for the pups. A father may remain only if he has been neutered and your veterinarian has confirmed that any residual fertility period has passed2. This relieves the mother, as the other degus can help care for the young by keeping them warm or watching over their safety.
Monitoring the pups’ development
Degu pups are born furred, with their eyes open, and can walk a few hours after birth. They will start exploring their environment and nibbling on solid food after about a week. Monitor their weight to ensure they are developing correctly. The weight of the babies may vary, but consistent weight gain is a good health indicator.
Preparing for weaning
The dental eruption study recommends a minimum weaning age of six weeks. Its observation of complete functional tooth occlusion by day 72 should not be confused with a universal natural weaning age of 72–75 days3. Avoid premature separation, and confirm that each pup is eating independently and growing appropriately before rehoming.
Have the pups sexed promptly and checked again by an experienced person or veterinarian. Separate the sexes in time to prevent breeding; do not assume that every pup remains infertile until two months of age. Keep juveniles with suitable same-sex companions rather than isolating them.
Reintroducing the male
If the male was separated before the birth to avoid another pregnancy, he can be reintroduced into the cage once he has been neutered, after the postoperative separation period specified by the operating veterinarian. However, ensure that the female is well-rested and that the reintroduction is gradual to avoid any stress.
Avoiding successive breeding
To protect the mother’s health, it is essential to avoid successive breeding. If you do not want any new litters, consider separating the males or having the males neutered.
Rehoming the pups
If you cannot keep all the pups, arrange responsible homes with suitable companions. Around two months is a practical planning point, provided the pups are independently feeding, healthy and developing normally; it is not a substitute for an individual assessment. Follow the steps in our rehoming guide.
Conclusion
The arrival of degus pups requires good preparation. By following these steps, you can support the health and welfare of the mother and pups. If you have any doubts or issues, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian specialized in rodents for further advice.
Sources
Colonnello, V., et al. (2011). Octodon degus. A useful animal model for social-affective neuroscience research: Basic description of separation distress, social attachments and play. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(9), 1854-1863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.03.014
Ebensperger, L. A., Hurtado, M. J. & León, C. (2007). An experimental examination of the consequences of communal versus solitary breeding on maternal condition and the early postnatal growth and survival of degu, Octodon degus, pups. Animal Behaviour, 73(1), 185-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.06.004
Jekl, V., et al. (2011). Dental Eruption Chronology in Degus (
Octodon Degus
). Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 28(1), 16-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/089875641102800103